Ah, the power of trickle-down. The splendid mechanism by which funky new clever stuff filters down from scarily expensive bits to more affordable bits is what powers the 2007 SRAM transmission range. The all-new stuff is X-9, which is essentially a detuned X.0. The shifters are the same shape and share X.0's zero-loss takeup system for rapid shifts along with the adjustable bar clamp. What you don't get is the adjustable-reach downshift lever or the carbon fibre bits, but that's a small price to pay for a big saving on, well, price.
Similarly, the rear mech is the same shape as an X.0 unit but made from cheaper materials - no carbon fibre cage plates, for example. It'll also be available in three lengths from short to long to suit whatever gear range you fancy.
There's also a new X-7 setup which is an even more potent example of trickle-down in action - the 2007 X-7 parts are exactly the same as 2006 X-9 but with X-7 logos on. Meanwhile the X-7 bits also head down the range with a new name.
So essentially everything gets better for the same money. Can't be bad...
2007 XTR: First riding impressions We've snatched a few hours of riding on Shimano's forthcoming 2007 XTR. Here's Part One of our first impressions, covering cranks and brakes
Avid goes both ways New disc brakes from Avid sit at the ends of the current range to cover superlight XC and beefy freeride applications
RockShox 2007 RockShox takes aim at the freeride market with four all-new forks
Kona 2007 15 new bikes for next year and, of course, an all-new typeface
